The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1887-05-07

en-, agonized voice, her cousin weeping be-
fore himp
lizard for you," repeated Carley, trefnu-
louslY, "You cannot suffer as do. Neil.
But viii try, for the end has come Next
week you will wed her."
'And love you forever. Oh, Carley,
have loved you from the instant saw youI
know now never loved Felicia. adj
mired her womanly qualities, but now, my
darling, would It not be better to tell her
the truth"
''And break her heart? No, ne; that
must not be. owe her d debt of grati-
tude 1t would be unjust You must for
get me-"
"You ask me to forget you. You are
cruel. win not. will tell her the truth
and then will be free to win YOU"
''No, Neil, it cannot be-"
at shall bel' he cried hoarsely; ''for
your sake, Carley. why, do you think l
will give you up riowp"
There was the ring of fierce determine
ton in his tones. Felicia crouched there
upon the cushions, and listened with bated
breath for the answer.
lyon alarm me,' said Carley. "T-I
did not think it would go so far. But you
must not do that, for 1 can never be
yours"
You jestl" cried Nell. "Whati have
you but tifaed with me2 are you but a CO.
quette, and is your beautiful face the mask
that covers cruel hearth Carley, tell ME
you are jesting."
But she did not answer him, and her ST.
lence seemed to brand her with guilt.
81 see it ALL" said Neil Barford "You
won my heart because 1t was pastlme for
you. You thought would wed your cous-
in, and you would never be reproached.
Is this truep Speak, or | shall believe you
guilty"
Il" began Carley, and then burst in
to tears; bit Neil had been fully reused,
and he was not inclined TO mercy.
"Speakr' he demanded. "Say to me,
1 have deceived you, and l will leave you
forever"
A silence, and then through the room
came these words, so faintiy uttered that
the woman among the draperies scarcely
heard them.
Go, then, haye deceived you"
There was low cry, the sound of clos
ing door, and then Carley fell upon her
knees, while the tears Went coursing down
her cheeks.
Heaven forgive ME for that falsehood,"
she soDbed. 81 love him, love him, but
| must not wreck her happiness. Oh, my
heart will break, and he-he believed me
false"
Felicia crouched there and heard 1t all,
heard the piteous sobs, and knew that the.
happiness df two lives lay in her power to
make Or mar, yet she meyer moved, never
spoke.
Her first impulse was to rush forward and
raise tic weeping girl in her arms, and say
to her:
Cousin Csrley, Neii Barfords love is
yours. rel6ase him."
Then oil the bitterness in her nature
arose, and her gray eyes flashed with fire.
''She shall not take him from me: her
beauty has bewitched him; but in time he
will love rie-his wife. He docs not guess
l know the truth--we will both be silent"
Bit an hour later Neil Barford, pale and
agitated, came to her and told her the
truth.
Your cousin does not love me-" he said,
and though Feicin's better nature rebelled
at the false part she was playing, she did
not contradict his wofds. 81 could not de-
ceiye YOU, Felicia. will endeavor to live
down passion whose object is so I'M
worthy, and if, knowing this, you can be
happy, will be true husband to you.'
She knew he would prefer release, that,
though lie proved true husband, he would
never be loving one; she knew, too that
through all the years to come, the know
ledge she possessed would embitter her life,
yet she would not give him up.
Il will teach you to forget her, Neil"
she said, but from that lhomeut her peace
OF mind was gone, and ler pride stung her
with sharp reproaches that she had been
so weak.
What week that was for all Of them.
Neil did his best to retain the old, careless
manner. Felicia was more silent, but be-
meath the mask Of composure was tenn
pest of fierce emotion, and pretty Carley
wore saddened look that SEEMED ont OF
place on that dirfipled, rose-tnted face.
The wedding was to be quiet event, to
the disappointment of the people near
Fenwick, no Invitations had been extended
outside OF the immediate family and on
the eTening in question, there were less
than score gathered in the prettily decor
ated parlor.
In the room above were Felicia, her
cousin and Leila, the maid. The wedding
dress was spread upon the bed, a simmer
in mass of satin and lace, and Carley
stool near the dresslng-case adniIing the
set of pearls that Sas to complete the bridal
toilet.
81 wonder you did not plan 10 60 down
in YOUR travelling suit, Felicia" she said.
''Nou are to 90 away so soon. But per-
haps you have grain of vanity in your ma
ture."
81 leave vanity TO those that have more
beauty than brains" said Felicia. coldly
''Ihave always thought that white was the
fitting apparel for bride"
She was standing before the long mirror
in her black silk dress, and now she raised
her eyes and looked at her reflected face
earnestly
Come, you will be late" said Carlev,
who was feigIing gayety she could not
feel. 81 want to see you in your wedding
dress"
Felicia did not move, but change came
over her face.
"YOu want TO see me in ny wedding